Bereaved families to receive funeral payments quicker

It is estimated around 800 claims are
received each week by the Department for Work and Pensions Bereavement Support
team

Families grieving the loss of a loved
one will find it easier to get help to meet upfront funeral costs, as a result
of a new change to speed up Funeral Expenses
Payment claims.

Previously, a Funeral Expense Payment claim could
not be processed without a confirmed date for the funeral to take place, which
could lead to longer waiting times for payments to be processed.

But following an important change announced by the
government, families will now be able to make a claim with an estimated funeral
date, providing that other key information is supplied. The ability to use an
estimated date in a claim is set to significantly speed up the process and
payment.

DWP minister Will Quince said: “These important
changes will make the very difficult time of planning a funeral or cremation
that bit easier for bereaved families.Helping families access Funeral Expenses
Payments sooner and more quickly means they can focus on the much more
important task of arranging a proper send-off for their loved one.”

It is estimated around 800 claims are
received each week by the Department for Work and Pensions Bereavement Support team.

This
new move to speed up the Funeral Expenses Payment process is in addition to a
recent change in the evidence required to process a claim. Recent improvements
mean that instead of a final invoice – which is usually received after the
funeral – families can instead supply a funeral director contract as an
indication of funeral cost. This evidence can be submitted to the Bereavement
Support team in advance of a funeral, therefore ensuring earlier access to
financial support.